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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.